Below are the bios and platform statements for the candidates for each position available in the Missouri Chapter Election:
President:
Andrew Taegel
Brief biographical statement:
I am a long-time substance abuse counselor with over 8 years of experience in the field. I am a provisionally licensed professional counselor and I am operating currently in a private practice where I can focus exclusively on ACT interventions and processes with clients suffering from anxiety and depression. I have received training, supervision, and consultation for ACT over the last 2 years and have a personal passion to enhance awareness of ACT throughout the state of Missouri and beyond as well as demonstrate the effectiveness of the therapeutic interventions. My personal life experiences with many of the things my clients see me for, as well as a belief in human potential guide my passion for my work on a daily basis.
Platform statement:
I believe that behavior influences how we live our lives and is the key to unlocking human potential as well as our abilities to reduce suffering. I believe that engaging in a meaningful life trumps avoiding discomfort and as I’ve been able to connect with my personal values, I’ve experienced a rich and rewarding existence, that often feels uncomfortable and presents me with challenges, but allows me to personally shape and craft the unique ways I desire to show up in this world and the things thatI personally want to represent. The ACBS is an organization unlike any other I have ever come across, and their desire to first and foremost alleviate human suffering, that trumps personal gain or profit is something I absolutely want to be a part of. I appreciate how flexible the ACBS is with fees and how openly they share
information and interventions that have been scientifically validated to reduce human suffering. I believe that Stephen Hayes exemplifies ACT and I have learned much from my interactions with him, including how to be vulnerable, honest, and transparent about my own personal struggles to remove the veil of shame around hardships and mental illness.
Treasurer:
Jonathan Rhodes
Brief biographical statement:
I’m proud to say that I grew up along the Missouri River, and I’m very passionate about being back in the state to practice as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist - living and working in Columbia, MO. I love the people here, and respect the various cultures that make up the Show-Me State.
In 2007, I traveled to the Land of Lincoln to complete my doctorate at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Studying and training with some very talented clinicians and researchers, I learned to practice some of today’s most promising behavioral interventions. This
included two years of advanced training on the chemical dependency unit at Linden Oaks Hospital in Naperville, IL where I developed some competence at applying behavioral therapies, including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Upon returning to the Show-Me State –
and, getting licensed – I also received a lot more great training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) through working at Fulton State Hospital.
Personally, I have known what it means to suffer. At times, I have found myself stuck in holes that appeared too deep and dark to climb out of. I have lived through those feelings of hopelessness and uncertainty. And, through my experiences within the ACT community – and, the work I have had the privilege to share with so many clients – has transformed my life. Today, I remain committed to learning to value human pain and the meaning that grows out of those types of experiences.
These are some of the reasons why I am very passionate about contextual-behavioral science and its attempts to alleviate human suffering. These interventions are rooted in cutting-edge science, spirituality, and the very best of what it means to be human.
Platform statement:
As stated, I am passionate about contextual-behavioral science – especially as it relates to building a local, ACBS community here in the Show-Me State. In whatever role I serve in the Heartland ACBS Chapter of Missouri, I hope to:
(1) Help disseminate the science, research findings, and technologies being innovated by the larger ACBS community, specifically as it relates to (a) providing trainings, (b) participating in consult groups, (c) mentoring developing clinicians, etc.
AND
(2) Work to create an environment here in Missouri that supports creative, local ACBS research by (a) developing networking events, and (b) partnerships throughout the state – and, beyond – that reflects local perspectives and scientific interests.
Student Representative 1:
Jennifer Shearin
Brief biographical statement:
Since I began the social work program at Mizzou in 2012 I completed an independent research study investigating iRest – Integrative Restoration Yoga Nidra (research based meditation practice) as an intervention for healing for survivors of intimate partner violence and/or stalking. In 2015 I presented my findings at the National Society for Social Work Research conference and received the Outstanding BSW Student of the Year Award from the Mizzou Alumni Association. My research was featured in the Mizzou Alumni Magazine, Mizzou’s Social Work News, and lastly I received the University of Missouri Health System Innovation and Improvement Sharing Days School of Medicines Deans Award. I am a trained iRest meditation teacher for Student Health’s – Health Promotion and Wellness department and for the last two years have been teaching mindfulness to Mizzou college students. Additionally, I have taught community youth grades K-12 and adults living with physical disabilities and/or mental disorders.
I am passionate about people and helping them discover their own innate ability to heal and recover from trauma and emotional pain. I am continually rewarded for my hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment to the profession. During my last two years as a BSW student I served on the Council of Student Social Workers as Fundraising Chair and Vice President. As a current MSW student I am deeply interested in intervention strategies and models that incorporate mindfulness into the therapeutic setting and strongly believe I would be an excellent candidate for the Student Representative position.
Platform statement:
I hope to increase student knowledge about the Heartland Association for Contextual Behavioral Science and its involvement in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by being a point of contact for students pursuing helping professions at the University of Missouri.
I foresee this responsibility to include:
1) Heartland ACBS quarterly meetings
2) A minimum of (1) monthly ACT peer or coffee and books session. Heartland ACBS Chapter of Missouri – Board Election Bio Page
3) Providing flyers and e-mail announcements for distribution at the university about the chapter, opportunities for training, workshops, events, and fundraising.
4) Being a representative for the chapter by speaking with faculty and students about the chapter, its mission, goals, and opportunities for involvement.
5) By being a voice for students at chapter meetings and a voice for the Heartland ACBS with the university.
6) Assist board members with trainings, events, and fundraising.
Student Representative 2:
Jadah Stephens
Brief biographical statement:
I am originally from the Chicagoland area and am currently living in Saint Louis, Missouri to study clinical psychology in the doctoral program at Saint Louis University. My main area of interest is ethnic minority mental health and discrimination related stress. I am passionate about furthering our understanding of effective treatments for ethnic minority individuals and implementing new strategies in clinical practice.
Platform statement:
I believe that ABCS is an organization dedicated to the betterment of clinical research and practice. As a student, our resources are limited; ABCS is a great organization whose resources need to be shared with more students. In my experience, many students and professionals have an interest in contextual behavioral science but lack the knowledge of where to further develop their skills and competencies. I would like to help advocate for further training among members, as well as, disseminate information and resources to non-members. Competently utilizing the most effective treatments for our clients is extremely important, and I am passionate about encouraging and assisting others in enhancing their knowledge.
Member at Large 1:
Jack Jacobsen
Brief biographical statement:
Jack is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in St. Louis, Missouri. He works as a Behavioral Health Consultant in primary care, as well as operating a private psychotherapy practice. Previously employment included a position as the couples therapist for the St. Louis VA Medical Center, as well as being part of the VA’s national training team for Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy. His individual work focuses almost exclusively on the use of ACT for anxiety and depression.
Platform statement:
My hope is to help foster a community that is devoted to the learning and implementation of CBS and ACT and to do so in a way that is consistent with the core values of the CBS community. As a member-at-large I would work to represent chapter members in order to maintain a non-hierarchical community, as well as a culture of openness, compassion, respect, and inclusion.
Member at Large 2:
Ann Rost
Brief biographical statement:
Dr. Rost completed her graduate work at the University of Kansas, with an emphasis in Health Psychology. She received training in ACT and RFT from Dr. Kelly Wilson, and became one of the contributing individuals to organize the first ACT World Conference in Sweden. Dr. Rost has conducted research on treatment outcomes and mediational variables in the ACT model among health-related populations. She has conducted workshops at several ACBS conferences and trains students in acceptance-based interventions. She is an Associate Professor and Assistant Department Head at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, and works one day a week in clinical practice.
Platform statement:
I would like to see an expansion in the number educational opportunities for RFT and Acceptance interventions offered in Missouri and the Midwest. There are growing numbers of professionals practicing in the area with some training and exposure to these methods, and my hope is that it will continue to grow, and that their training will be of high quality. A local ACBS chapter will also provide opportunities for beginning students to gain exposure to contextual behavioral science without extensive travel and expense requirements. I am excited to see others in the area with like-minded views and am looking forward to serving.